Why Corralejo is Fuerteventura's ultimate resort
With eight fabulous Canary Islands* to choose from, it can be hard to decide where to go, let alone which resort to stay in.
After two decades of grappling with this, I think I've finally settled on the island of Fuerteventura* and the town of Corralejo as the ultimate Canarian resort. It's a 'Greatest Hits' of the others all rolled into one compact oasis.
Yes, it's a resort with all the frills, but Corralejo* is also a real Canarian community whose authenticity draws in mainland Spanish holidaymakers and whose beaches even tempt visitors from the other Canaries.
As well as fabulous beaches, there's a sweep of places to eat, great shopping and world-class watersports with plenty of day trip options too.
Best of all, everyone is welcome, from families looking for fun and teenagers wanting to party to more mature travellers seeking relaxation and surfers in search of the big breaks.
Thinking of heading to Corralejo? Check out the latest offers on holidays to Fuerteventura from First Choice* with departures from regional airports across the UK.
It's still a real town
This is a resort where businessmen skateboard to work and their colleagues arrive on mountain bikes in high heels. Corralejo is a real working Spanish town, blended into a chilled-out resort, which makes for a winning, authentic combination.
That's why so many mainland Spaniards come to Corralejo, people who might not consider resorts in Tenerife or Gran Canaria's popular south. And Corralejo's core is an old fishing village with its low-slung whitewashed houses hunkered down against the Atlantic.
The fishing boats you see are not just for tourists to take photos of. You still find local fishermen at work supplying fishy delights for the local restaurants, or playing chess on rough or rest days in Corralejo's Cofradia fishermen's cooperative.
Everyone's welcome
Some Spanish resorts tend to attract the citizens of one country and then within that certain types, or ages of holidaymakers. Not in Corralejo where not only is everyone welcome, but they all come too.
British visitors are the most numerous, but there are lots of French and Italians and, on my most recent visit, I met German, Irish, Swiss and Estonian holidaymakers, too. And that was just in a single night.
There are those mainland Spanish visitors and even holidaymakers from other Canarian islands, as Fuerteventura clearly boasts the best Canarian beaches.
There are cheesy disco pubs, LBGTQ bars, relaxed tapas bars, karaoke bars, live music haunts and Irish pubs, all reflecting the eclectic demographic.
World-class watersports
We're not talking just pedalos and jet skis. Corralejo really pushes the boat out; indeed you'll meet watersports enthusiasts from all over the world.
The wild coast west of the town draws the surfers to the consistently excellent breaks. South of town, the Parque Natural de Corralejo is heaven for kiteboarders catching the breeze and galloping high into the sky.
Windsurfers love it here too, as do devotees of the newest craze of e-foils. Swirl in kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and scuba diving, and Corralejo really offers it all.
The town is alive with surf and other gear shops, as well as companies that take you out in the safety of a group or even show complete beginners the ropes.
Relaxed restaurants
I've spent six separate weeks of my life in Corralejo and I'm still not bored with the local restaurants. If and when that day comes, I'll just head to the nearby fishing village of El Cotillo and the excellent seafood delights of Ancla Restaurant.
In Corralejo, however, every street seems to have at least one place to eat. We're not talking Michelin star fancy gastronomic temples, more honest venues that offer straightforward good value.
During my most recent stay, I had superb pizza at Vivi, proper jámon Ibérico at Bar Restaurante Iberic Ham Factory, a sweep of tapas at Tapas Oscar, filling ramen at Aisushi and artisan ice cream so delicious at Vrebec (Belgian chocolate, naturally) that it drew me in every night.
Discover beautiful beaches
The beaches are what first drew visitors to Corralejo. Wander the languorous waterfront and you pass white sand strips and other stretches of fine coral. The waters are aquarium-clear and alive with marine life if you want to snorkel.
Sand sculptors burrow away, the kiteboarders offer a dramatic backdrop alongside the Lobos Island and there are myriad places to eat, drink and be merry right on the beach.
There's nothing quite like taking a dip before easing back to your seat for another ice-cold drink. And repeat. Very Corralejo.
Enjoy affordable retail therapy
With sales tax lower than on the Spanish mainland, shopping here is good value. In recent years the main 'Strip' has been bolstered with big international fashion names like Bershka and Stradivarius, alongside glitzy outlets of Spanish favourites like Ale Hop.
These slick experiences sit alongside tat shops that will sell you everything from a bodyboard to oversized teddy bears, and on to inappropriately shaped bottle openers.
Then there are the surf shops, fashion boutiques with a surf vibe, 'normal' shops for the locals and supermarkets with fish counters to put most countries to shame.
Conquer Fuertventura's sand dunes
Head to Parque Natural de Corralejo, better known locally as 'Las Dunas', where you'll find mile upon mile of undulating starched white sand dunes. Seriously - it's a dead ringer for the Sahara.
It echoes its big brother just across the water and handily comes with a bus connection from Corralejo. The best way to get there is to bus or taxi it out to one of the popular beaches such as Playa Alzada or Playa del Moro, then amble back towards Corralejo on foot.
With dazzling white sand dunes all around contrasting against the cobalt Atlantic, you'll just keep taking photos, which you'll cherish back home and will illicit gasps from friends. No filter required.
You can tapas crawl
Corralejo has more than enough to keep you occupied for a week or two, even longer, but it's also a brilliant base for day trips if you get itchy feet.
The uninhabited Isla de Lobos is just 10 minutes away by fast RIB. Climb up the volcano for epic views, yomp around the island or just recline at sheltered Playa de la Concha de Lobos swimming or snorkelling.
The village of El Cotillo tempts with its superb seafood restaurants a bus ride, or a spectacular 20 km coastal hike, away.
Lajares is a surreal charmer, a traditional village where an influx of surfers has created a sweep of superb bakers and cafés. The whole of northern Fuerteventura ripples with the same sense of authenticity.
Weather in Corralejo
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The above guide shows the weather in Corralejo. You can find out more about conditions across Fuerteventura and the weather in the wider Canary Islands.
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